Links relating to the scythe and scything

Mowing grasses and other soft vegetation requires proper maintenance of the blade, which includes peening the edge with an appropriate hammer and peening anvil, and whetting it with a natural whetstone. The whetstone is carried in a whetstone holder on the belt, immersed in water with a bit of vinegar. Adding a small drizzle of vinegar increases the stone's bite and helps keep it clean and functional.

Peening draws out the steel to ensure the correct thinness and geometry of the edge. This operation is done on average after every four hours of mowing, but this time span varies depending on the vegetation, the conditions, the whetstone used, and the mower's technique.

Then, in the meadow, the edge is honed with a whetstone every few minutes, as soon as a little more resistance is felt and/or if the scythe cuts the grass less well.

Frequent peening and honing are essential for proper blade performance!